“Before I left my country, my dream was, well, very close to the Peronism in that work for

all, education for all, and culture for all,” says Miguel Ángel Estrella (83), a celebrated pianist who was kidnapped and tortured in Uruguay after fleeing Argentina to escape political persecution. Told he’d have his hands cut off and then be killed, he says “prayer provided company and certainty,” through the terror of losing his life and livelihood. Petitioned to provide him with a piano, his captors gave Miguel a mock keyboard. Even though there was no music, it became “a way to remain alive and curious.” Once free, he went to France as a refugee. Now a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, he dreams that leaders “are aware that every human being has a sensitivity, an analytical power,” and that “leading a political approach requires respect for the other.” Instead of “primitive individualism” he dreams of “communities of men and women who think about doing what is needed for everyone’s happiness.” Full Story

“Before I left my country, my dream was, well, very close to the Peronism in that work for

all, education for all, and culture for all,” says Miguel Ángel Estrella (83), a celebrated pianist who was kidnapped and tortured in Uruguay after fleeing Argentina to escape political persecution. Told he’d have his hands cut off and then be killed, he says “prayer provided company and certainty,” through the terror of losing his life and livelihood. Petitioned to provide him with a piano, his captors gave Miguel a mock keyboard. Even though there was no music, it became “a way to remain alive and curious.” Once free, he went to France as a refugee. Now a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, he dreams that leaders “are aware that every human being has a sensitivity, an analytical power,” and that “leading a political approach requires respect for the other.” Instead of “primitive individualism” he dreams of “communities of men and women who think about doing what is needed for everyone’s happiness.” Full Story